6 Tips for Choosing the Right Shoes for Film

Figuring out outfits for a film is very different from choosing clothes in real-life. Colors look different, angles shift, and characters must be taken into account. Whether you are filming an indie-film or you are part of a costume design department, here are six tips for choosing the right shoes for film.

1. Consider the Actor’s Height

Some shoes can dramatically impact the actors’ height, so consider that when choosing what they wear on their feet. If a character needs to appear more intimidating or confident, then consider adding height to their shoes.

You can also use heel-length to close a large height-difference between two characters who need to get in each others’ faces. By making them closer in height, you give the cameraman an easier job.

2. Think Comfort

Sometimes, filming can go on for ages, especially when the director has a certain vision in mind. Due to this, it’s crucial to think about comfort when choosing on-screen footwear. If a character is supposed to run around in heels, choose heels that fit perfectly and don’t cause any rubbing, as this would end up extremely uncomfortable for the actor.

3. Choose Colors that Work

If the shoes appear on the screen, then the color is everything. It can change how you see a character – for example, if you choose red shoes, it will make the audience think of danger, lust, and power.

You don’t have to buy new shoes if you want a change of color; instead, keep some angelus leather paint around to decorate and adjust the shades of the character’s shoes. They’ll also come in handy when you want to go into more stylish detail.

4. Worry About the Weather

If you’re filming in snow, then it isn’t sensible to choose stilettos for your character. Likewise, they won’t likely be wearing winter boots in Californian weather. Plan ahead for the weather on filming day by choosing footwear that doesn’t cause the wearers to freeze or overheat.

5. Ask Whether Feet Will Be On-Screen

If the shoes you’re choosing for the character will appear on-screen, then it will take more consideration. If not, however, then you have more flexibility when it comes to the actor’s shoes. When they’re out of sight, you could put your actors in a simple pair of pumps to increase comfort or even allow them to bring their own footwear.

6. Get into the Characters’ Heads

To choose the correct shoes, you must understand the characters and what sort of clothing they would be likely to choose. Talk to the actors to get a better sense of the characters, and let them have some say when you choose outfits. After all, they are in the characters’ heads, so they know better than anyone.

While there is plenty to think about when designing costumes for film, footwear should take some careful consideration. Keep everything mentioned in mind to provide shoes that are comfortable and true to the characters’ nature.